Majodina apologises after vulgar outburst as ANC faces backlash

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, has received mixed reactions to her apology following a heated exchange with a member of the public in Kouga.

Some have welcomed the apology, arguing that ministers are human and can make mistakes, while others have criticised Majodina, saying she should have learnt from a similar incident involving Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero.

Majodina was heard using derogatory language on 9 September during the launch of the upgraded Loerie Sewer Pump Station, while calling for a resident to be escorted out of the community engagement.

The incident sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about the conduct of public representatives.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Majodina said her reaction came after being subjected to profane language, but accepted full responsibility for her actions.

“I sincerely apologise to the people of Kouga and to all South Africans. I also appeal to members of the public that, even when engagements become difficult, or emotions run high, we must strive to maintain reciprocal respect and ensure that our interactions remain constructive,” she said.

Following the exchange, ActionSA said it would lodge an ethics complaint against Majodina, arguing that her conduct falls short of the standards expected of a Member of Parliament and Cabinet minister.

The party’s National Communications Director, Matthew George, said the incident undermined the dignity of public office and brought Parliament into disrepute.

The controversy comes shortly after Morero was also captured using vulgar language during a community engagement with a Soweto resident.

With both incidents involving ANC leaders, the party is facing increased scrutiny over the conduct of its public representatives ahead of the 4 November local government elections.

Meanwhile, civic organisation, Activists and Citizens Forum, has called for the immediate dismissal of both Majodina and Morero, describing their conduct as unacceptable for public representatives.

The organisation described the behaviour of the two ANC leaders as the “lowest level of rudeness”, accusing them of acting like dictators rather than serving the country.

I do not accept anything less than a resignation from Pemmy Majodina if @CyrilRamaphosa and @GovernmentZA take us serious. Her apology mean nothing because she meant it. If it was not, she was supposed learn something from Dada

— Gcwanini 🇵🇸 🇿🇦 (@special_84) September 15, 2026

WHO WILL DISCIPLINE MINISTER PEMMY MAJODINA?

This matter cannot simply be buried under another apology.

UMamu Pemmy Majodina is not just an @MYANC member. She is an ANC member, a Member of Parliament and a Cabinet Minister responsible for Water and Sanitation. That means there… pic.twitter.com/mtJ5nmvcZH

— Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela (@Cde_MM_Mandela) September 11, 2026

If you think ANC leaders Pemmy Majodina and Dada Morero swearing at voters is a mistake then I have a cellphone grabber to sell to you.

These corrupt crooks are deliberately destroying the ANC from within and making sure voters hate the ANC. pic.twitter.com/m2rl7snETF

— Satoshi Nakamoto (@BrownOxx) September 15, 2026

Pemmy Majodina apologises, but it’s a little too late bcoz the damage is already done.

— nezisa nkwali (@NkwaliNezisa) September 15, 2026